Community Culture & Wellbeing
Taking time for creativity, culture and personal wellbeing can have a powerful impact on your confidence, resilience and quality of life. Our Culture and Wellbeing courses offer a welcoming space to explore new interests, develop practical skills and connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.
These courses are designed to support both creative expression and everyday wellbeing. Whether you’re discovering art for the first time, trying a new craft, learning to cook healthy meals or taking time to unwind through creative activities, you’ll be encouraged to learn at your own pace and enjoy the process.
You can choose from a wide range of activities, including:
- exploring art and developing your appreciation of artists and cultural spaces
- using creative practices such as drawing, painting or textiles to support relaxation and self-expression
- learning hands-on skills like knitting, sewing or watercolour painting
- improving your wellbeing through mindful, creative activities
- building confidence in practical life skills such as healthy cooking on a budget
Our courses are friendly, informal and accessible, with no formal exams. Experienced tutors guide you through practical activities, demonstrations and group discussions, offering encouragement and support as you build confidence and try new things. Many courses also provide opportunities to connect with others, helping you feel part of a creative and supportive community.
Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, discover a new hobby, develop creative skills or simply take time for yourself, our Culture and Wellbeing courses offer an enjoyable and rewarding way to support your wellbeing.
For more information, email communitylearning@waes.ac.uk or call WAES on 020 7297 7297.
The Green Live Learning Lab is about using your local area to learn about sustainability. We will learn how we can help the environment through changing how we live in our homes, and we will visit local sites to see examples of this.
Led by our popular tutor, you will learn the fundamentals of watercolour painting and drawing in this online course. You will be required to purchase materials to participate in the course.
Please note, this course is only open to residents living within Westminster City Council or the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. This Community course offers a clear, supportive and empowering introduction to menopause and perimenopause. It is designed to help adults understand the physical, emotional and lifestyle changes that can arise during this stage of life. Delivered by a highly experienced, professionally accredited health and menopause coach, the course brings together up to date research, practical tools and compassionate guidance.
Please note, this course is only open to residents living within Westminster City Council or the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. This Introduction to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course is offered by WAES Community Learning and provides a clear, practical introduction to understanding mental health and supporting others in times of distress. Delivered face to face or online over two half day sessions, the programme helps adults recognise early signs of mental health difficulties and respond in a calm, informed and compassionate way. Led by a highly qualified and experienced mental health practitioner, the course blends current knowledge, real world practice and sensitive guidance.
Get creative, be inspired on this ten week art course using a mixture of different textile and craft materials you will create a unique piece of textile art for your home.
Community Knit and Stitch is a friendly and creative Community Course that introduces learners to a range of simple textile skills in a relaxed group setting. It offers an opportunity to explore knitting, crochet and hand sewing while enjoying the social and wellbeing benefits of making together. The course focuses on creativity, confidence building and the pleasure of completing small handmade projects at your own pace.
History of Art for all. An exciting new course for the Pimlico Centre introduces you to the history of art. Artist and lecturer John Timberlake will explain what to look for when viewing art and will help you experience art at a deeper and more enriching level.
This is a free in-person cooking course. Learn to cook healthy and balanced meals on a budget, saving money by using ingredients that don't cost the earth. Led by our experienced cookery tutor at Lisson Grove, you will be cooking and taking home delicious British and international dishes.
- Highly qualified and professionally experienced tutors
- Accessible Central London centres with bespoke facilities and great transport connections
- A wide range of in-person, online, distance learning and community-based courses
- Unique work experience opportunities through partnerships
- Guest speakers offer introductions to career pathways in a variety of sectors
- Excellent progression to employment, apprenticeships or further learning including university
